Did Jesse James carry six to eight handguns at all times?
Joe “Doc” Amason
Corcoran, California
That is a bit of a stretch—although, during the Civil War, men like Jesse James and Bloody Bill Anderson did carry up to six cap-and-ball handguns so they wouldn’t have to stop and reload.
But during the outlaw days, James likely carried two pistols. The Colt 1873 Peacemaker was his weapon of choice, although, at various times, he also carried Remingtons and Smith & Wesson Schofi

August 2013
In This Issue:
More In This Issue
- Rough Drafts 8/13
- Asher’s Legacy
- The Tombstone Legacy
- Blazing Bastards
- On the Trail of Warring Parties
- Hop Aboard! 18 Historic Train Excursions
- Tombstone at 20
- The Most Contemptible Character I Ever Saw
- Behind the Mask
- Kaycee, Wyoming
- The Herd Decimator
- Lt. Henry Allen
- BBQ, Baseball & Beef
- Did women wear makeup in the Old West?
- Wonders of Yellowstone
- Kurt Russell Recap
- Where is Johnny Ringo’s grave located?
- Butch Cassidy Rides Again
- August 2013 Events
- Bed and Biscuit
- 10 Questions for Michael Biehn
- Who is Captain Jack?
- Stephen Harrigan
- Did Jesse James carry six to eight handguns at all times?
- The Lone Ranger: Collector’s Edition
- Cole Younger’s Conversion
- Terror in Colorado
- Texas Jack Rides Again
- Was Wyatt Earp a Horse Thief?
- Lone Star Empire
- The Saloon Keeper
- Calling All Quigley Fans